Mark A Burgess

Mark Burgess Architects Macclesfield Cheshire Manchester

Please call or, yes you can even text, 01625 682846.

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    • Forever home.
    • Ecton Avenue family home.
    • Porch brings spatial flow.
    • Orangery replaces conservatory for luxurious comfort.
    • Renovation means the family stays!
    • Conservation area design in Prestbury
    • Alderley Edge garage conversion & Cedral cladding boards.
    • Oak frame in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
    • New house in Little Budworth with oak frame.
    • Macclesfield takeaways vital ingredient at George’s.
    • Bifold doors in Milan villa unite house and garden.
    • Sky Frame pocket corner doors instead of bifolds.
    • Altrincham architect transforms home.
    • Design for sunlight in Macclesfield instead of new house!
    • Sale kitchen
    • Architects studio Macclesfield
    • Alderley Edge builders restore conservatory
    • Bowdon family home transformed with TLC!
    • Architectural design creates multi-functional space in Adlington.
    • Loft conversion in Siddington
    • Architects conversion project in Dobcross
    • Oak framed house in Prestbury.
    • Planning approval garden worth £’000s
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Forever home.

Forever home is a phrase we hear frequently. But where has it come from? In the words following this becomes clear. Additionally you’ll read more about how an ordinary house can stand out from the crowd.

Forever home front elevation showing black and white theme
In this forever home careful colour choices mean stand-out kerb appeal. Even the car matches!

Context

My clients here are a family with two children about to become teenagers. Established and happy in local schools. Their home is on the edge of Bollington. Which means it feels rural. So the family needs more space and a second living space. But doesn’t want to move house. Why would you? Especially when you consider the costs. By which I mean Stamp Duty. Not to mention the costs of making someone else’s house your own home.

Forever home design solution

To avoid moving house the solution is a forever home. Which requires thoughtful architecture. I have simplified massing. And white rendering replaces brown brickwork. Further differentiation is by cool grey window frames. I also design to make the most of existing spaces first. And then secondly to create extensions. But only if they are necessary. And then designed as compact as possible. Because a compact design means less cost. You will find another example of this approach here. Which also happens to be built by a trusted builder I like to work with.

Trusted builder

This forever home was built by TKM Construction. It’s the third of my projects where Tom Monks has excelled. My clients have all benefitted from his undivided attention. He’s not just a skilful tradesman himself. In addition Tom leads the tream on site personally. Consequently communication between client, contractor and architect is immediate. As well as being clear.

Not all forever home costs are obvious

Budget is inevitably tight on projects like this. That’s because families with children and teenagers have some many costs. Not to mention the financial challenges of University in the near future. Here a bathroom was renewed. Not to mention an entirely new kitchen fitted. Are you considering such a radical transformation? If so remember to factor in another cost. The expense of a temporary home. My clients here vacated to a rental. Which meant Tom could work with maximum efficiency. See more of TKM here.

Forever home before the build. Brown brick and prominent garage door were replaced by white rendering and a new living space
Before the transformation.

©2025 Mark A Burgess MA RIBA Chartered Architect.
Thinkingpencil Limited. Company registered in England number 07477705.
27 Chapel Street Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 6TA.
Registered with the Architects Registration Board. Website by Sue Fernandes at Instilled